Full Breakdown
Native Wildlife to Feature on New UK Banknotes
3/21/2026, 6:05:44 PM
Announcement of Wildlife Representation
The Bank of England has announced that the next series of £5, £10, £20, and £50 banknotes will feature native British wildlife. This decision aims to combat counterfeiting by regularly changing the images on the notes. A panel of experts, including wildlife broadcasters and academics, will create a shortlist of candidates for public voting later this summer.
Expert Recommendations for Banknote Candidates
Several wildlife experts have nominated various species to represent the UK’s natural heritage. Early favorites include the hedgehog and the robin, both of which are widely loved. However, there are calls for a more diverse representation that includes less popular species.
Nominations for Each Denomination
- £5 Note: Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)
Nominated by naturalist Chris Packham, the red fox is described as a resilient and frequently encountered predator in urban and rural settings. Packham emphasizes the need for banknotes to spark conversations about wildlife treatment and conservation, suggesting that the red fox, despite its divisive status, could promote such discussions.
- £10 Note: Common Toad (Bufo bufo)
Lucy Lapwing nominated the common toad, highlighting its often-overlooked beauty and ecological importance. She notes that toads, despite their unappealing reputation, play a vital role in controlling pests and have seen a significant population decline. Lapwing advocates for increased public affection and protection for this species.
- £20 Note: Beaver (Castor fiber)
Isabella Tree has nominated the beaver, recognizing it as a keystone species that significantly alters landscapes and supports biodiversity. Tree points out that beavers provide essential ecosystem services, such as flood prevention and water purification, and their reintroduction to England has been beneficial for wildlife restoration.
- £50 Note: Swift (Apus apus)
Nominated by Hannah Bourne-Taylor, the swift is celebrated for its aerial lifestyle and connection to urban environments. Bourne-Taylor stresses the importance of cherishing this species, which is at risk of decline, and believes that its representation on banknotes would symbolize the relationship between humans and nature.
Broader Implications
The initiative to feature wildlife on banknotes is seen as an opportunity to raise awareness about conservation issues and the need to protect various species, particularly those that are less popular or endangered. The involvement of the public in selecting the wildlife candidates is intended to foster a deeper connection to the natural world.
Criticism and Alternative Views
While many support the idea of featuring wildlife on banknotes, some critics argue that the focus should not solely be on popular or aesthetically pleasing animals. There are calls for representation of species that face significant challenges, such as the feral pigeon and brown rat, to highlight the importance of all wildlife in the ecosystem.
What's Next
The public will have the opportunity to vote on the shortlisted candidates later this summer, with the final designs expected to reflect a diverse array of British wildlife. This initiative is part of a broader movement to promote environmental awareness and conservation efforts across the UK.
